THE WHITSUNDAYS CONVERTING THE CONSIDERING! Executive summary OCTOBER 2013

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1 THE WHITSUNDAYS CONVERTING THE CONSIDERING! Executive summary OCTOBER 2013

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3 3 WHITSUNDAYS CONVERTING THE CONSIDERING! Tourism Research Australia (TRA) and Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) undertook research during April, May and June 2013 to explore visitor consideration of the Whitsundays as a tropical coastal or tropical island holiday destination, and how best to convert those that would consider a Whitsundays holiday into visitors. The results revealed several opportunities. This report summarises the key survey findings and outlines seven opportunities for future planning and development to help convert the considering into the visitor, and differentiate the Whitsundays from comparable overseas offerings to its key markets.

4 THE WHITSUNDAYS CONVERTING THE CONSIDERING! 4 TOURISM RESEARCH AUSTRALIA THE WHITSUNDAYS BRAND AND EXPERIENCE HERO EXPERIENCES Hero experiences 1 are world-class iconic experiences that have a real competitive advantage over other destinations. They are truly unique, memorable or engaging, and meet the needs of identified target markets. THE WHITSUNDAYS HERO EXPERIENCES n Diverse island paradise to sail snorkel and dive n Iconic landscapes of Airlie beach and mainland in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef DESTINATION IMAGE TEQ s 2013 Brand Health Research 2 shows the Whitsundays is considered a desirable tropical coastal or tropical island holiday destination, comparable with international destinations such as Fiji, Bali and Thailand. METHODOLOGY Initially, Whitsundays tourism industry stakeholders participated in an online discussion forum to share their thoughts, experiences and ideas to shape the research and online consumer survey. An online survey was conducted with over 900 Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney respondents, with an annual household income of $60,000 or more, who would consider taking a tropical coastal or tropical island holiday in the next three years. Finally, respondents who participated in the online consumer survey were invited to participate in an online discussion forum to elaborate and aid understanding of the findings from the survey. Australians commonly associate a holiday to these destinations with feeling relaxed and being able to reflect, recharge and leave the cares of the world behind. Three in four Australians nominated that they would consider visiting the Whitsundays, but only one in 20 indicated that they had visited in the last 12 months. 1 Tourism and Events Queensland, Whitsundays Hero Experiences Fact Sheet, Tourism and Events Queensland, Brand Health, 2013.

5 5 KEY FINDINGS RECENT TROPICAL COASTAL OR TROPICAL ISLAND HOLIDAY EXPERIENCES EXPERIENCE WHITSUNDAYS n When Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne residents were asked how they would sum up their recent Whitsundays experience most were positive, but only a few (one in ten) nominated the Whitsundays as their best holiday ever. n Overall, respondents recent Whitsundays and Asia/Pacific Rim holiday experiences received similar ratings. Best holiday ever One of the best holidays I ve had Enjoyed it but have had better holidays 8% 38% 53% Didn t enjoy it 1% EXPERIENCE ASIA/PACIFIC RIM DESTINATION Best holiday ever 10% One of the best holidays I ve had 55% Enjoyed it but have had better holidays 33% Didn t enjoy it 2%

6 THE WHITSUNDAYS CONVERTING THE CONSIDERING! 6 TOURISM RESEARCH AUSTRALIA HOLIDAYS OF FOUR NIGHTS OR MORE PLANNING AND BOOKING TENDENCIES PLANNING AND BOOKING BEHAVIOUR n 62% of respondents indicated they usually spend a long time planning a holiday of four nights or more. Many say they focus on the experience not the cost. n 16% of respondents are usually deal-driven and wait until the last minute to book. n Events can sometimes drive decisions. Spend a long time planning a holiday to a particular destination I have in mind Focus on the overall experience & activities & less so on the budget 44% 59% 62% 80% I book holidays to places I hadn t really been thinking about when the price is heavily discounted 24% 39% Wait until the last minute as you usually get a discounted deal 16% 31% Book a holiday when there is a festival or event happening 17% 38% Ever done Usual behaviour

7 7 HOLIDAYS OF FOUR NIGHTS OR MORE PLANNING AND BOOKING BEHAVIOUR INFORMATION SOURCES USED FOR PLANNING Planning or booking a longer holiday (four nights or more) usually started with an online search: n 72% of respondents searched the internet n 64% searched online travel/hotel/airline sites. Internet Online travel / hotel / airline website Family / friends 47% 64% 72% Family, friends and travel agents were highly influential in the travel-planning phase: n 47% of respondents started their planning as a result of recommendations from family and friends n 36% sourced information from travel agents. Travel agent 36% Closer to booking, online reviews became important and travel agents were influential: n 64% went to online booking sites 59% hotel websites, 58% airline websites n 46% checked online reviews i.e. TripAdvisor n 32% checked travel agent websites, 32% visited a travel agent, 16% called/ ed a travel agent. INFORMATION SOURCES USED CLOSER TO BOOKING Online booking site (e.g. webjet / wotif) Hotel website 59% 64% Airline website 58% Online review 46% Travel agent website 32% Travel agent in person 32%

8 THE WHITSUNDAYS CONVERTING THE CONSIDERING! 8 TOURISM RESEARCH AUSTRALIA PERCEIVED ATTRACTIONS IN THE WHITSUNDAYS AND ASIA/ PACIFIC RIM DESTINATIONS ASSOCIATIONS WITH THE WHITSUNDAYS AND ASIA/PACIFIC RIM DESTINATIONS n Whitsundays and Asia/Pacific Rim destinations are seen as having very different attributes for example, pristine natural surroundings and access to the reef compared with shopping and cultural experiences. n Whitsundays accommodation is seen as expensive but also of a high standard and offering a diverse range. n Asia/Pacific Rim is also seen to have high standard accommodation, but is perceived as a risk outside the top star-rating resort hotels. The majority of respondents (50% or more) associated each of the statements in the table below with the destination: n The Whitsundays is seen as a place to unwind, for a romantic holiday, to take the family, to re-connect with family and friends and to have fun. These are the key competitive strengths of the destination, along with sailing and seeing natural wonders. n The Whitsundays is not seen as the place to go for an adventure, party or cultural experience. n The Whitsundays is more closely aligned to Fiji than other Asia/Pacific destinations and appeals a little more to families and the older market. Younger people can be put off by price and the perception that there is not a lot going on. Over 45% of respondents associated each of the following statements with the destination: WHITSUNDAY ATTRACTIONS THAILAND, INDONESIA, FIJI ATTRACTIONS WHITSUNDAY DESTINATION IMAGE FIJI DESTINATION IMAGE Resort-style experiences Access to the reef Pristine beaches Spectacular scenery Sailing Number of islands High standard accommodation Resort-style experiences Welcoming, friendly service Cultural sights Local produce/cuisine Shopping Fun Unwind Family holiday Romantic Natural wonders Special holiday sailing Reconnect with family Fun Unwind Family holiday Affordable Explore / new experience THAILAND DESTINATION IMAGE INDONESIA DESTINATION IMAGE Fun Fun Affordable Affordable Explore / new experience

9 9 BARRIERS TO BOOKING A HOLIDAY IN THE WHITSUNDAYS PRICING PREFERENCES n 69% of all consumers said that price would put them off booking a holiday to the Whitsundays. n Respondents that had not recently been to the Whitsundays were more likely to say price was a key factor than those who had recently visited (71% compared with 62% respectively). n What would encourage them to book a Whitsundays holiday? n good price deals on accommodation (69%) and flights (67%), and n good value packages (63%). n Of all three capital cities surveyed, Brisbane respondents were more likely than their interstate counterparts to be sensitive to price (78% compared with 69%) and the threat of stingers (42% compared with 34%). n When thinking about Asia/Pacific Rim destinations, respondents were more commonly concerned about safety (50%) and health / hygiene (48%). WHITSUNDAYS Price Stingers THAILAND, INDONESIA, FIJI Safety Health / hygiene n Visitors can be encouraged to travel to the Whitsundays by good price deals on accommodation (69%) and flights (67%), and good value packages (63%). n Visitors don t want surprises. They want to know how much things cost and what they are getting. For example, 26% of recent visitors rated the experience as ordinary due to: added high cost of extras such as food, drink and activities; the perception there is not much to do and service is ordinary. An ordinary experience often means they are less likely to return and can lead to negative word-of-mouth. n Visitors seek good value for their money, not just cheap deals. n Build consumer knowledge of the range of goods, services and options so they have more points of comparison then just price. PRICE NECESSITIES Ability to plan and budget Get good deals for more impulsive getaways TOP 3 CONSUMER PRICE PERSUADERS 69% - accommodation deals/discounts 67% - flight deals/discounts 63% - a good package deal

10 THE WHITSUNDAYS CONVERTING THE CONSIDERING! 10 TOURISM RESEARCH AUSTRALIA OPPORTUNITIES FOR CONVERTING THE CONSIDERING The seven conversion opportunities identified below address the seven key findings as a collective group. The opportunities and key findings do not correspond by number. CONVERSION OPPORTUNITIES 1. Increase consumers knowledge of the destination 2. Deliver targeted good value packages not just cheap deals 3. Educate consumers about stingers IDEAS FOR ACTIONS Highlight the options available: n different accommodation types n activities, action and non-stop adventures n relaxation and soft leisure/pleasure in serene surroundings n romance i.e. weddings, anniversaries Build consumer knowledge of the range of goods, services and options so they have more points of comparison than just price. Create innovative holiday packages targeted to consumers different booking needs: n short term, all inclusive deals (no more to pay) n increase long-term planners knowledge about the ability to cap spending n set up solid packaging partnerships with other complementary operators to capture consumer attention and imagination n provide a diverse range of offers n save and splurge incentives n highlight value for money options n access is important - in messaging, highlight access and/or transport options Build consumer loyalty by matching Whitsunday products and benefits to consumers desired holiday experience. Be factual, not alarmist, when conveying messages about stingers. Clarify seasonal times (shorter than you think) and highlight fun experiences without a stinger in sight. Showcase on the water as well as in the water experiences.

11 11 CONVERSION OPPORTUNITIES IDEAS FOR ACTIONS 4. Create a holiday atmosphere Consumers want to unwind, rest, relax and have fun on holidays. Build on these already strong attributes related to the Whitsundays. 5. Give consumers reasons to book now! Delivery is just as important friendly locals and warm, welcoming service have a vital role to play. Develop time sensitive packages that deliver cost-savings with added extras. Promote special deals on flights / accommodation / meals / events. Stage and promote events, festivals and seasonal natural events such as whales, coral spawning and migrating birds. 6. Explore digital marketing opportunities Promote that now is the time to relax, have fun and discover the reef no time to waste or wait. Harness different direct digital market opportunities. Promote positive online reviews and recommendations. Direct online marketing around special events i.e. weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and reunions to harvest contact details and grow a target market consumer database. Host an online Whitsundays Romance site to promote weddings and romantic getaways. 7. Realise distribution options Devise packages that deliver throughput to agents. Use innovative ways to train, engage and excite travel agent buy-in. Through all of the conversion opportunities, the communication with consumers needs to reinforce how the Whitsundays will deliver their desired holiday experience, and what makes the Whitsundays unique: The Whitsundays is fun, relaxing, a romantic destination, a great place to catch-up with friends, and has stunning natural beauty, good weather, a diverse range of accommodation, resort-style experiences, and access to the Great Barrier Reef and water activities, including sailing.

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